Hello! I want to point out that this...
...doesn't really gel with this:
As far as clinical practice/diagnosis is concerned, evaluating for ASD and ADHD does not usually entail neuropsychological testing (diagnosis ADHD does not require any formal "testing" at all). Diagnosing SLD als does not usually involve neuropsych testing. Further, assessing for SLD- at least in my jurisdiction- falls within the scope of practice of a licensed "School Psycholologist"- which is a masters level credential, and is typically done at or through the school, funded by the school. Insurance is unlikely to reimburse a "psychologist" (which is a doctoral level credential) to do SLD testing. (Sorry if you know all that already
)
It can get confusing with all the different credentials, degrees, and training programs. This is particularly true when it comes to "school psychology." You can get a doctorate in a school psychology program which prepares you for licensure as a "psychologist," though most people (again, in my jurisdiction) who are in the role of "school psychologist" have terminal masters level training. As a licensed psychologist (which is a redundant term in my state, as there is no such thing as an "unlicensed psychologist), I have practiced psychology in schools, but I am not a school psychologist! You'd think we'd figure out a way to be more precise with our terms.
As to your original question, there are several routes you could take:
-university based, APA accredited clinical psych Ph.D. program, working in a lab with a mentor who's research focuses on your areas of interest. This would ould offer you the most flexibility for the researcher/clinician hybrid work you want to do. It is also likely to be the cheapest route with graduate funding (up to full tuition waivers and stipends for RA/TA being the norm). It's also the most competitive route. (yes- there are also a handful of uni-based Psy.D. programs that operate in similar fashion).
-university based, APA accredited school psych or counseling programs, working in a lab with a mentor who's research focuses on your areas of interest. In many cases such a program would offer you similar, if not identical, training to a clinical psych. program, with the same amount of flexibility. Assure that the program leads to eligibility for licensure as a psychologist (doctoral level) in any states you could even imagine wanting to work in. Other than some confusion from the uniformed as to what the degrees mean or what you you are qualified to do, the CORRECT program will offer you appropriate training/licensure to work as a researcher and clinician in your areas of interest. Full funding may be less likely than with a university based Ph.D. program, but not necessarily so.
-PsyD from an APA accredited free standing professional school (FSPS). These are usually VERY expensive. Quality of training can very greatly. Research can be legitimate option at some, but not all. Where research is available, it is usually not in the context of a mentor model where you work in the lab of, basically, a professional academic researcher. Be very cautious if you go this route. If it involves taking out big loans to pay for it all, it may not be worth it. There are predatory programs of this type where the goal is to separate you from your money.
Whatever the path, it does not sound like specialization in neuropsych (which often comes later on internship/post-doc) is not really necessary/relevant to meet your goals. As someone else has mentioned, getting a BCBA along the way is a big plus (though not necessary) and seems to be more likely in a school-psychology focused training program.
I work (and have researched) with ASD, ADHD, and SLD with a Clinical Psych Ph.D. I currently do almost exclusively assessment, and am not a neuropsychologist.
